Platforms are moving past just distributing content. Now, they are competing to control the systems behind the creator economy. Big platforms are getting more involved in how content is managed, monetized, and regulated, from campaign tools to financial services.
In this edition, we look at YouTube’s move into live global programming with its World Cup partnership, Meta’s plan to attract creators with guaranteed payouts, the launch of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood on YouTube, and PewDiePie’s criticism of algorithm-driven content.
The creator economy is becoming central to the media landscape, with platforms built around digital creators now rivaling traditional entertainment companies in advertising revenue.
As the creator economy matures, platforms, investors, and cultural institutions are moving from experimentation to formalization.